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Planning for a family

All women have the right to make their own choices about fertility and childbirth regardless of HIV status. We should receive the same level of support from doctors and healthcare workers as anyone else.[i]

How HIV affects your body

Your body may change. Some of us, especially those of us who have a low CD4 count, may experience low body weight. Others, due to a combination of factors, including antiretroviral therapy and unhealthy eating habits, may have problems with weight gain. These body changes may be difficult to adapt to.

If you think you are experiencing problems with your body shape, do not keep it to yourself.

How to stay active and healthy

We should do what we can to exercise every day. Staying active can make us stronger, give us endurance and strengthen our hearts. Eating well is also a priority. There is no food that we should avoid just because we have HIV. However, a healthy and balanced diet will help us protect and improve our health and give us more energy.

Maintaining your sexual health

Living with HIV will affect intimate relationships and our sex lives. Some women feel guilty or embarrassed about having HIV, or are really anxious about passing HIV to others. These are common reactions. Chances are, however, that you will want to have sex again. The good news is that there is no reason why you can’t.